Method Of and Light System For Dance Instruction

ABSTRACT

A method of using lights and a light system for teaching dance, particularly to students with hearing impairments. The method or dance instruction includes a light bar having a plurality of first lights and second lights. The first and second lights are visually distinguishable. The first lights are turned on and off to display a pre-selected time signature pattern, and the second lights of the light bar are turned on and off to display a pre-selected and count time signature pattern. A light system for dance instruction includes a light bar having a first lights and second lights, which are visually distinguishable, and a control unit for: a) turning the first lights of the light bar on and off to display a pre-selected time signature pattern; and b) turning the second lights of the light bar on and off to display a pre-selected and count time signature pattern.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a method and system of dance instruction. In particular, the invention relates to a method of using lights and a light system for teaching dance.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Dancing is a very popular entertainment and art form that requires the dancers to learn various steps of a particular style of dance. Dance is a multifaceted area of study which provides the student with opportunities to experience the physical, mental, and emotional challenges of disciplined movement.

Children are often introduced to dance at a very young age, sometimes as early as two years old. An important aspect of any type of dance is developing the proper form and the right body position. The benefits of dance to students are numerous and include improvement in motor proficiency, skill accomplishment, balance, fitness, body awareness and posture, as well as discipline, physical satisfaction, emotional release, a sense of camaraderie, and a higher appreciation for the arts. Potential for self-actualization is developed and feelings of self-worth may be increased.

Dance teachers typically use music and oral instructions in teaching dance to students. The music assists dancers in letting them know where they are supposed to be in the dance. However, such methods of instruction fail to effectively teach dance to students who are deaf tone-deaf, and/or hard of hearing. Often such a dancer will use his or her eyes to watch and follow the movement of a fellow dancer who may be able to hear and follow the music. This often leads to frustration at the deaf student's lack of progress and he or she may lose interest, thereby not enjoying way of the benefits associated with dancing as a result of his or her bearing disability.

There is a need to effectively teach dance to deaf students or to those who are unable to hear and follow music. In particular, there is a need for a method of dance instruction that will provide deaf students with a sign count for each step in order to help them establish a basic rhythm pattern and develop the inner rhythm and timing for a particular dance.

U.S. Patent Application US 200610154220 filed Jul. 11, 2003, by Toniolo, discloses a training device for novice/professional dancers. The device includes a mat with foot positions, and a video recording system and display that show the dancers what they are doing along with textual feedback. The focus is on fundamental foot position, and also teaches the use of signs or indicators on a screen. Such a device allows students, including visually impaired students, to determine the correct position of their feet and body during dance. The device taught by Toniolo could be used by deaf students to determine correct positioning. However, it would have the same advantages and disadvantages as watching and following the movements of a follow dancer, and thereby lead to frustration and loss of interest.

Consequently, a need exists to effectively teach dance to deaf students to enable then to enjoy the benefits thereof.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a system and method of dance instruction wherein visual displays which are preferably lights are used to signal time signature patterns.

According to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of dance instruction. The method includes providing a light bar having a plurality of first and second visual displays which are preferably lights. The first and second lights are visually distinguishable. The first lights of the light bar are turned on and off to display a pro-selected time signature pattern, and the second lights of the light bar are turned on and off to display a pro-selected “and” count time signature pattern. The method may also include the step of turning at least one of the first lights on and off, to display a pre-selected pattern representing a pre-selected exercise.

According to another aspect of the present invention, a method of dance instruction is provided having a first light bar and a second light bar. Both the first light bar and the second light bar have a plurality of first and second lights. The first and second lights are visually distinguishable. The first lights on the first light bar and/or the second light bar are turned on and off to display a pro-selected time signature pattern. The second lights of the first light bar and/or the second light bar are turned on and off to display a pro-selected and count time signature pattern. The method may also include the step of turning on and off at least one of the first lights of the first light bar and/or the second light bar to display a pre-selected pattern representing a pre-selected exercise.

According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a system for dance instruction. The system includes a light bar having a plurality of first and second visual displays which are preferably lights. The first and second lights are visually distinguishable. The system also has a control unit for: a) tuning the first lights of the light bar on and off to display a pre-selected time signature pattern; and b) turning the second lights of the light bar on and off to display a pre-selected “and” count time signature pattern. The control unit of the light system may also be adapted to turn at least one of the first lights on and off to display a pre-selected pattern representing a pre-selected exercise.

According to a further aspect of the present invention, a light system for dance instruction is provided having a first light bar and a second light bar. Both the first and the second light bar have a plurality of first and second visual displays which are preferably lights. The first and second lights on both the first and second light bars are visually distinguishable. The light system also includes a control unit for a) turning the plurality of first lights of the first light bar and/or the second light bar on and off to display a pre-selected time signature pattern; and b) turning the plurality of second lights of the first light bar and/or the second light bar on and off to display a pre-selected and count time signature pattern.

According to another aspect of the present invention, a light system for dance instruction is provided having a first light bar and a second light bar. Both the first and the second light bar have a plurality of first and second visual displays which are preferably lights. The first and second lights on both the first and second light bars are visually distinguishable. The light system also includes a control unit for a) turn the plurality of first lights of at least one of the first light bar and the second light bar on and off to display a pre-selected time signature pattern; b) turning the plurality of second lights of at least one of the first light bar and the second light bar on and off to display a pre-selected “and” count time signature pattern; and c) turning at least one of the plurality of first lights of the first light bar and the plurality of first lights of the second light bar on and off to display a preselected pattern representing a pre-selected exercise.

The light system and method of the present invention provides hearing-impaired students, including deaf tone-deaf and/or hard of hearing students, with visual cues designed to communicate musical time signatures. The visual cues of this invention may include a rhythmic sequence of lights that can be used in any type of dance that involves accompaniment as well as creative dance and movement games. Thereby, the method and system of the present invention allows for effective instruction of dance to hearing impaired students.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION THE DRAWINGS

In drawings which illustrate by way of example only a preferred embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 1A is a front view of a preferred embodiment of an apparatus of the present invention;

FIG. 1B is a first light bar of an alternate embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 1C is a second light bar of an alternate embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2A is a front view of a horizontal light bar displaying the start of a 2/4 time signature;

FIG. 2B is a front view of a horizontal light bar displaying the second half of a 2/4 time signature;

FIG. 3 is a front view of horizontal light bar displaying a plurality of second lights showing “and” counts;

FIGS. 4A, 4D and 4C are front views of oscillating first lights on a vertical light bar demonstrating a leg bend with “plie”;

FIGS. 40, 4E and 4F are front views of oscillating first lights on a vertical light bar demonstrating a leg straighten movement;

FIGS. 5A, 5B, 5C and 5D are front views of oscillating first lights on a horizontal light bar demonstrating an outwardly “battlement tendu”;

FIGS. 5E, 5F, 5G and 5H are front views of oscillating first lights on a horizontal light bar demonstrating a movement wherein the leg closes to 1^(st) or 5^(th) position;

FIG. 6A is a front view of a first lights on a horizontal light bar demonstrating a jump landing in a closed position;

FIG. 6B is a front view of a first lights on a horizontal light bar demonstrating a jump landing in an open position; and

FIGS. 7A, 78, 7C and 70 are front views of oscillating first lights on a vertical light bar.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

A preferred embodiment of the present invention relates to a system and method of dance instruction. As shown in FIG. 1A, an apparatus 10 is provided for implementing the system and carrying out the method of dance instruction. The apparatus preferably includes a first light bar 12 and a second light bar 18. In the preferred embodiment, the first light bar 12 is horizontal and the second light bar 18 is vertical. The first light bar 12 and the second light bar 18 are preferably connected. The connection is preferably such that the first and second light bars form the shape of a cross, as shown in FIG. 1A. However other connection configurations such as a T-shape are within the scope of the present invention.

The present invention is also not limited to the first and second light bars being horizontal or vertical or otherwise straight in shape. The first and second light bars nay be curved, for example, and may have various other shapes and designs. In addition, in alternate embodiments, the first and second light bars need not be connected. FIGS. 1B and 1C show alternate embodiments where the first and second light bars are not connected.

Although it is preferred to carry out the present invention with the apparatus 10 having both the first light bar 12 and the second light bar 18, the present invention may be carried by operating either the first light bar 12 in isolation, as shown in FIG. 18 or the second bar 18 in isolation, as shown in FIG. 1C.

The first light bar 12 includes a plurality of first lights 14 and a plurality of second lights 16. In the preferred embodiment, the first light bar 12 has four first lights 14 and four second lights 16. In alternate embodiments, the first light bar 12 may have either more or less than four first lights 14 and may have either more or less four second lights 16. Similarly, second light bar 18 has a plurality of first lights 20 and a plurality of second lights 22. In the preferred embodiment, the second light bar 18 has four first lights 20 and four second lights 22. In alternate embodiments, the second light bar 18 may have either more or less than four first lights 20 and may have either more or less four second lights 22. In addition, in alternate embodiments the number of first lights 14 and second lights 16 on the first light bar 12 need not be the same. Similarly, the number of first lights 20 and second lights 22 on the second light bar 18 need not be the same.

The first lights 14 are visually distinguishable from the second lights 16. Similarly, first lights 20 are visually distinguishable from the second lights 22. In the preferred embodiment, the second lights 16 are smaller than the first lights 14 and similarly, the second lights 22 are smaller than the first lights 20. Other modes of visually distinguishing the lights known in the art are within the scope of the present invention such as the use of different colours, tones, shapes, size, etc.

The first lights 14, 20 and the second lights 16, 22 of the first light bar 12 and the second flight bar 18 are preferably lights which can be seen in all areas of a studio or stage so that deaf and/or hearing impaired dancers can understand the differences in tempo without having to look directly at the lights. When a single light in a normally lit room is turned off and on, a person is able to see the effect of the light anywhere in the room. Any of the first lights 14, 20 or the second lights 16, 22 of the first light bar 12 and the second light bar 18 may also be coloured to accent and/or specify beat in bar music.

The first lights 14, 20 and the second lights 16, 22 of the first light bar 12 and the second light bar 18 preferably use gel, which assists with the prevention of glare and stops the lights from shining onto the stage.

The light system also includes a control unit (not shown) for a) turning the plurality of first lights 14, 20 of the first light bar 12 and the second light bar 18 on and off to display a pre-selected time signature pattern; and b) turning the plurality of second lights 16, 22 of the first light bar 12 and the second light bar 18 on and off to display a pre-selected and count time signature pattern.

A control unit (not shown) is operatively connected to the apparatus 10. The control unit can be programmed to turn at least one of the plurality of first lights 14 of the first light bat 12 and first lights 20 of the second light bar 18 on aid off to display a pre-selected pattern representing a pre-selected exercise, as shown in FIGS. 2A and 28. Several pre-selected light patterns corresponding to pre-selected exercises can be programmed into the control unit.

The control unit of the system is preferably a computer and preferably has software programmed to produce predetermined musical time signature (2/4, 3/4, 4/4) so that they represent their musical value visually. The software can be designed with the ability to alter the speed of the lights. The sequence of time signatures can be linked together for individual choreographic works which contain more than one time signature. The software is preferably run through a special computer module which is hooked up to a computer interface. The computer interface preferably uses the information from the software program to control the first lights 14, 20 and second lights 16, 22 that are seen by the dancers. The first lights 14, 20 and second lights 16, 22 on the first light bar and the second light bar are preferably connected to the computer interface by long cables to allow each bar to be mounted in separated locations.

A preferred embodiment or the method of dance instruction of the present invention involves turning the plurality of first lights 14, 20 of the first light bar 12 and the second light bar 18 on and off to display a preselected time signature pattern, and turning on and off the plurality of second lights 16, to display a pro-selected “and” count time signature pattern. In addition, the method also includes the step of turning at least one of the plurality of the first lights 14 of the first light bar 12 and the plurality of first lights 20 of the second light bar 18 on and off to display a pre-selected pattern representing a pre-selected exercise.

The pre-selected “and” count time signature pattern of the method and light system of the present invention are preferably in synchronization with music.

The first lights 14, 20 visually represent the musical value. As shown in the first light bar 12 in FIGS. 2A and 2B, in a 2/4 time signature, the first two first lights 14, 20 will turn on and off separately and continuously. In step one, as shown in FIG. 2A, the first of the first lights 14 will turn on while the remaining first lights 14 stay off. In step two, as shown in FIG. 2B, the second of first lights 14 turns on while the remaining first lights 14 stay off. This 1-2-1-2 pattern represents a 2/4 time signature. The pattern for a 3/4 time signature is 1-2-3-1-2-3, pattern for a 4/4 time signature is 1-2-3-4-1-2-3-4.

FIG. 3 shows the second lights 16 on the first light bar 12. Preferably, the second lights 16 display the “and” count. This can be done in a 4/4 pattern. Similarly, the second lights 22 on the second light bar 20 are used to 16 display the “and” count which can also be done in a 4/4 pattern.

Oscillating first lights 14, 20 can be used in the first light bar 12 or the second light bar 18 or both to demonstrate examples of specific dance movements. For example. FIGS. 4A, 4B, 4C, 4D, 4E and 4F demonstrate a “plie”, which is a classical ballet exercise. As shown in the embodiment in FIGS. 4A, 48 and 4C, the oscillating first lights 14, 20 can be used to teach the “legs bond” aspect of the plie, and as shown in FIGS. 4D, 4E and 4F, the oscillating lights can also show the “legs straighten” aspect oil the plie. The dancer need not count the beats, but simply follow the lights down and up.

Another ballet exercise, the “battlement tendu”, can also be taught by using the oscillating lights of the present invention. FIGS. 5A, 5B, 5C and 5D demonstrate a “battlement tendu” outwardly, and FIGS. 5E, 5F, 5G and 5H demonstrate the leg closing to a 1^(st) or 5^(th) position. The oscillating lights have a 1, 2, 3, 4, 4, 3, 2, 1 sequence of first lights 14 on a horizontal light bar 12.

FIGS. 6A and 6B show the first light bar 12 displaying a pattern representing inner and outer leg positions.

As shown in FIGS. 7A, 7B, 7C and 7D, all light formations that can be displayed on the first light bar 12 can also be displayed on the second light bar 18.

As one will appreciate, the method of dance instruction and the light system of this invention may be used with any type of music that has a time signature, and/or to teach different types of dance, including ballet.

Various embodiments of the present invention having been thus described in detail by way of example, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that variations and modifications may be made without departing from the invention. The invention includes all such variations and modifications as fall within the scope of the appended claims. 

1. A method of dance instruction comprising: providing a light bar having a plurality of first and second lights thereon, the first and second lights being visually distinguishable; turning said plurality of first lights of said light bar on and off to display a pre-selected time signature pattern; and turning said plurality of second lights of said light bar on and off to display a pre-selected “and” count time signature pattern.
 2. A method of claim 1 comprising the step of turning at least one of said plurality of first lights of said light bar on and off to display a pre-selected pattern representing a pre-selected exercise.
 3. A method of claim 1 wherein there are four first lights and four second lights on said light bar.
 4. A method of claim 1 wherein said first lights of said light bar form a 2/4, 3/4 or 4/4 time signature.
 5. A method of claim 1 wherein at least one of said plurality of first lights and second lights of said light bar are flashing lights.
 6. A method of claim 1 wherein the pre-selected and count time signature pattern are in synchronization with music.
 7. A method of claim 1 wherein at least one of said first lights and said second lights of said light bar is accented with colour.
 8. A method of claim 1 wherein said second lights are a smaller size compared to said first lights.
 9. A method of dance instruction of claim 1 wherein the dance is ballet.
 10. A light system for dance instruction comprising: a light bar having a plurality of first and second lights thereon, the first and second lights being visually distinguishable; and a control unit for a) turning said plurality of first lights of said light bar on and off to display a pre-selected time signature pattern; and b) turning said plurality of second lights of said light bar on and off to display a pre-selected and count time signature pattern.
 11. A light system of claim 10 wherein the control unit is adapted to turn at least one of said plurality of first lights of said light bar on and off to display a pre-selected pattern representing a pre-selected exercise.
 12. A light system of claim 10 wherein the pre-selected and count time signature pattern are in synchronization with music.
 13. A light system of claim 10 wherein the control unit is a computer.
 14. A light system of claim 10 wherein there are four first lights and four second lights on said light bar.
 15. A light system of claim 10 wherein said first lights of said light bar form a 2/4, 3/4 or 4/4 time signature pattern.
 16. A light system of claim 10 wherein at least one of said first lights and said second lights of said light bar are flashing lights.
 17. A light system of claim 10 wherein gel is used on at least one of said first lights and said second lights.
 18. A method of claim 10 wherein at least one of said first lights and said second lights of said light bar is accented with colour.
 19. A method of claim 10 wherein said second lights are smaller compared to said first lights.
 20. A light system for dance instruction comprising: a first light bar having a plurality of first and second lights thereon, the first and second lights being visually distinguishable; a second light bar having a plurality of first and second lights thereon, the first and second lights being visually distinguishable; a control unit for a) turning said plurality of first lights of at least one of said first light bar and said second light bar on and off to display a pre-selected time signature pattern; and b) turning said plurality of second lights of at least one of said first light bar and said second light bar on and off to display a pre-selected and count time signature pattern.
 21. A light system according to claim 21 wherein the control unit is adapted to turn at least one of said plurality of first lights of said first light bar and said plurality of first lights of said second light bar on and off to display a pre-selected pattern representing a pre-selected exercise. 